Samantha Poh - Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Samantha fell in love with New Zealand when she first travelled here several years ago.

“Everything about it felt new and different, yet in a way familiar to my hometown of Kuching, Malaysia. I chose the University of Auckland because I believed that it offered me the widest range of opportunities – both academically and socially – to advance further in life.”

With a keen interest in helping to inspire the lives of young children, Samantha chose to study the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies. The variety of courses, including pedagogical ideas and philosophies related to children, deepened her understanding of child development.

“With practicum also a part of our curriculum, we got the opportunity to connect these ideas from lectures to our actual practice, as well as reflect on our practicum experiences in a critical, yet casual manner during tutorials."

Being an international student at the University of Auckland has been an amazing experience. Not only are there a tonne of other international students in the same boat as you, so you’re likely to connect easily with others and make friends, but Kiwi students and the university faculty are also very welcoming towards international students.

Samantha Poh

“Any queries I had regarding school matters were answered or resolved efficiently with good communication, and the university staff members are lovely to engage with.”

Samantha noted that her days in New Zealand have never been uneventful.

“With the right people, it feels like there are endless places to go and things to try out. Personally, my favourite spot to visit in Auckland is Takapuna, with its cute shops, amazing beach, and clear skies for stargazing.

“The Kiwis I’ve had the pleasure of studying with and learning from have been great people to be around. Most of them are talkative, bright, and helpful, and getting to know people from all walks of life has been an eye-opening experience.”

After graduating, Samantha plans on continuing her studies by doing a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) to receive her teaching certificate and kickstart her teaching career in New Zealand.

“Some words of advice I have for future international students would be to not be afraid to speak up – whether it be asking questions in class, asking a classmate out for lunch, asking to join a school club, or asking for help from the student advisors. Speaking as someone who is greatly introverted and hates talking to strangers, I’ve found that stepping out of my comfort zone has been incredibly rewarding.”